Football Announces Coaching Staff Changes

NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion University head football coach Rich Nagy defensive coordinator, Wilder announced on Monday. Bill Dee will stay on staff and continue to coach the defensive line.

Nagy was hired in December as defensive backs coach. He was the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan in 2012 and spent three years with the Broncos coaching the secondary.

"I am excited Coach Nagy has agreed to accept the responsibility of defensive coordinator. Rich has 11 years as a defensive coordinator, most recently at FBS Western Michigan," Wilder said. "Rich was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2012 and he helped improve their defense from 12th in the MAC in 2011 to fifth in 2012. I know Rich is committed to improving all aspects of our defense in 2013 and beyond."

Nagy, a native of Fairfield, Connecticut, came to Hofstra from Murray State University in Kentucky where he served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Racers from December 2005 through the 2008 season. His Murray State defense allowed just 328.4 yards per game in his last season and linebacker Nate Williams was named to both the Walter Camp and Associated Press All-American first teams, was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, voted All- Ohio Valley Conference's (OVC) first team and selected the OVC Defensive Player of the Year.
Prior to Murray State, Nagy spent five seasons (2001-2005) at CAA-member, Maine as defensive coordinator, linebackers and secondary coach. During his tenure, the Black Bears ranked among the top four teams in defense in four of his five seasons, captured back-to-back Atlantic 10 co-championships and advanced to the NCAA FCS Playoff quarterfinals in both 2001 and 2002, recorded a school-record 11 victories in 2002, posted the first two playoff wins in school history, tallied the first victory over a FBS opponent, downing Mississippi State, 9-7, in 2004 and 21 Black Bear players received All-Atlantic honors. In 2002, Maine led the Atlantic 10 in defense, allowing just 267.6 yards per game and 15.4 points per outing, both ranked ninth in the country. American Football Monthly named Nagy the FCS Defensive Coordinator of the Year in 2002.

"I am honored and excited to become the defensive coordinator at Old Dominion University. I am very grateful to Coach Wilder and the administration for this opportunity," Nagy said. "I look forward to working with our staff and players to create a defense that the Old Dominion community and fans will be proud of."

Dee will begin his third season with the Monarchs and again coach the defensive line.

"We will continue to have Coach Dee work with our defensive line. Coach Dee is committed to coaching the fundamentals and techniques necessary for our kids to improve," Wilder said.

Dealton Cotton, defensive line coach for the last five seasons, will not return.

"Dealton Cotton will no longer be with our staff. We all wish him well and we will follow his career closely. I will always be grateful to Dealton for being a part of our original staff that brought football back to Old Dominion University," Wilder said.

The Monarchs are currently in week six of their eight week off-season training program. ODU begins spring practice on March 20 and culminates the semester with the spring game on April 20 at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.